2019 Toyota Prius recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Toyota Prius and 30 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (11), unknown or other (8), engine (6). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 50–52 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2019 ranks #7 of 14 Prius model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (139). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2019 Toyota Prius. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Prius vehicles. An electrical short circuit in the combination meter could occur, causing the speedometer, the odometer, and the fuel gauge to go blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk: A blank main display will not show important information like vehicle speed or fuel level. Driving with an inoperative display can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flash memory chip (ROM) production date, and if necessary, replace it along with the combination meter circuit board, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TA21 and 19TB21.
Electronic stability control (esc)
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2019. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 and Lexus owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1L/K0L. Lexus' numbers for this recall are K2F/KLF.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Coolant is leaking into the catalytic converter. This seems to be a common issue. Toyota issued a technical service bulletin on XXX covering this exactly. Some 2016–2019 Prius and 2017–2019 Prius Prime vehicles may exhibit low coolant level, MIL on with DTC P148F00, and/or poor heater performance due to coolant leakage at the front exhaust pipe heat exchanger. The front exh…
Frequency when I start car makes a very loud , painful high pitch noise for anywhere from 5-15 seconds
Body of car has rust perforation starting from the inside working out. This is on the roof, so water incursion will effect airbags and electrical system. FIrst noticed rust bubbles a few years ago, but did not think much of it. Now two body shops have said roof panel needs to be replaced. This is big stuff!
Safety ratings
2019 Toyota Prius 5 HB AWD
2019 Toyota Prius 5 HB FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2019 Toyota Prius.
Prius
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Prius AWD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Toyota Prius, most recently for electrical system · instrument cluster/panel (12/11/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Prius?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (11), unknown or other (8), engine (6).
Is the 2019 Toyota Prius safe?
The 2019 Toyota Prius earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2019 a good year for the Toyota Prius?
The 2019 ranks #7 of 14 Prius model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (139). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Toyota Prius get?
EPA ratings for the 2019 Toyota Prius range from 50 to 52 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2019 Toyota Prius in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: PRIUS, Prius.